How to Choose Sunscreen SPF

A sunny school run, lunch outside or a UK seaside day can all add up to more sun exposure than you expect. Knowing how to choose sunscreen SPF means looking beyond the biggest number on the bottle and choosing a product you will apply generously, comfortably and often enough.

For most adults and children, a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or SPF 50 sunscreen is a sensible everyday starting point. The right choice then comes down to your skin, the strength of the sun, what you are doing outdoors and how likely you are to reapply. Shop our Sun Care range →

What SPF numbers actually mean

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It primarily measures protection against UVB rays, the rays associated with sunburn. SPF 30 filters around 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 filters around 98%. That may look like a small difference, but SPF 50 allows less UVB through, which can be useful for fair or sun-sensitive skin, children, long days outdoors and holidays in stronger sunshine.

No sunscreen provides complete protection, and an SPF 50 product is not a reason to stay in direct sun all day. Hats, shade, sunglasses and covering up still matter, particularly between late morning and mid-afternoon when the sun is strongest.

How to choose sunscreen SPF for everyday life

For ordinary daily exposure, such as commuting, walking the dog or sitting near a window, SPF 30 is often a practical minimum. The Caudalie Vinosun Invisible High Protection Spray SPF30 is a lightweight, easy-to-apply option for everyday use. If you have fair skin, burn easily, or prefer an extra margin of protection, step up to SPF 50 — the Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50 200ml is a great non-greasy choice for the face and body. Shop Now →

On holiday, during heatwaves, when exercising outside or spending a day at the beach, SPF 50 is usually the more dependable option. The Bioderma Photoderm Max Spray SPF50+ 200ml and BIODERMA Photoderm SPF 50+ Spray 300ml are ideal for quick, even coverage on the go. Shop Now →

Children should wear a high-protection sunscreen, typically SPF 50, alongside protective clothing and shade. The Childs Farm SPF50+ Sun Cream 100ml, Eucerin Sun Kids Gel-Cream SPF50+ 200ml and Calypso Kids Disappearing Coloured Roll-On SPF50 50ml are all designed with young skin in mind. Shop Children's Sun Care →

Check the UVA protection as well as the SPF

SPF is only half the label. UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin and are linked with premature skin ageing and pigmentation. They are present throughout the year and can pass through cloud and glass.

In the UK, look for a UVA star rating of four or five stars, or clear broad-spectrum wording. The Caudalie Vinosun Protect Cream SPF50+ and Bioderma Photoderm Milk Ultra SPF50+ 200ml both offer strong broad-spectrum protection — ideal if you are concerned about dark marks, uneven tone or signs of ageing. Shop Now →

Do not assume a moisturiser with a low SPF gives enough cover for a summer day. It may be fine for brief incidental exposure, but a dedicated SPF 30 or SPF 50 product is generally the better choice when you will be outdoors for longer.

Match the formula to your skin and routine

The best sunscreen is one you are happy to use every day. For dry skin, a cream or moisturising lotion works well. For oily or blemish-prone skin, a lighter fluid or gel-cream suits better — the Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50 is a popular choice for this. Sprays like the Caudalie Vinosun Invisible High Protection Spray SPF50 are convenient for hard-to-reach areas and active children. Shop All Sunscreens →

Don’t forget your lips — the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Nourishing Lip Balm SPF20 provides targeted protection for one of the most commonly missed areas. Shop Now →

Mineral sunscreens, usually containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, can be a good option for sensitive skin. Chemical or organic filters often offer lighter textures and clearer finishes. There is no single best type for everyone — comfort, tolerance and correct use are what count.

Choose water resistance for swimming and sport

If you are swimming, sweating, playing sport or spending time on a hot beach, choose a water-resistant sunscreen. The Bioderma Photoderm Max Mist SPF50+ 150ml is a great option for easy reapplication throughout the day. Reapply after swimming, heavy sweating or using a towel, even if the product states it is water resistant. Shop Water-Resistant SPF →

Apply enough to get the protection on the label

A common reason sunscreen underperforms is simple: too little is applied. Most people use far less than the amount used during product testing.

For the face, ears and neck, the two-finger rule is a helpful guide. For the body, an adult needs roughly six teaspoons to cover exposed skin. Apply before heading outdoors and give the formula time to settle. Do not forget commonly missed areas such as the hairline, parting, ears, back of the neck, hands, tops of feet and the backs of knees.

Reapply at least every two hours when outdoors — keep a bottle of BIODERMA Photoderm SPF 50+ Spray 300ml close at hand for easy top-ups. Make-up does not remove the need for sunscreen underneath. Shop Now →

Consider your medicines and skin needs

Some medicines and skincare treatments can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. This can include certain acne treatments, exfoliating products, antibiotics and prescribed medicines. If you have been advised to avoid sun exposure, follow that guidance and speak to a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist if you are unsure which protection is suitable.

People with a history of skin cancer, melasma, photosensitivity or significant skin conditions may need more individual advice. A high-UVA, broad-spectrum SPF 50 such as the Caudalie Vinosun Protect Cream SPF50+ is often a sensible starting point.

A quick sunscreen checklist before you buy

When comparing familiar brands and formats, look for these details on the pack:

• SPF 30 for regular daily use (Caudalie Vinosun Invisible Spray SPF30), or SPF 50 for stronger protection (Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50)
• Four- or five-star UVA protection, or broad-spectrum coverage
• A texture that suits your face or body skin type
• Water resistance if you will swim, exercise or sweat (Bioderma Photoderm Max Spray SPF50+)
• A fragrance-free or sensitive-skin formula if your skin reacts easily (Childs Farm SPF50+ Sun Cream)
• A pack size that gives you enough product to apply generously and reapply

Check the expiry date too. Once opened, many sunscreens show a period-after-opening symbol, such as 12M, to indicate how long they should be kept. Store sunscreen out of direct heat where possible, as a bottle left in a hot car or on a sunbed can degrade more quickly.

A sunscreen that fits your routine is better value than a premium bottle used sparingly. Keep one by the front door, one in your everyday bag and enough for the family when packing for a holiday, so protecting your skin is as routine as brushing your teeth. Shop our full Sun Care range →